LCBO Vintages Release for May 2012

Well I return from the dead, apologies for not posting this sooner but it's been a jam packed month.  The pickings are slim for the May releases from the LCBO, but as the Spirit of Toronto show also followed suit, there are many hidden gems on the shelves.  Only 2 bottles publicly noted for the Vintages magazine, one for each release.  Let's take a gander at what was offered.

May 12,2012 Vintages Release:

A single Irish bottle from The Irishman distillery group; the second released by the LCBO (last month their Single Malt was premiered).  The Irishman 70 is a blended Irish whiskey, matured in bourbon barrels and blended at 40% ABV.  This is a difficult one to write about as this is the domain of the world largest whiskey brand (quick hint... think yellow label/green bottle...... yeah green... real original for Ireland).  All that aside, flavor & quality will prevail; and this blend beats the pants off the National Brand.  The nose shows hot pepper and spices, with hints of toasted grains and nuts.  In the mouth is where this shines.  Very, very smooth with notes of dried peaches, more grains (toasted, with hints of rye prevailing), aromatic wood (like cedar or hemlock), and wet slate (not a bad thing, but a very nice mineral contrast to the sweetness).  The finish is smooth and creamy with hints of wood, raisins and pepper.  The balance across the dram as a whole is fantastic, very well built with a great harmony of heat, sweet and finite details (like the fruits and minerals).  Check your local LCBO for Sku #135186, and priced at $41.95, this won't be around too long when word gets out.

May 26,2012 Vintage Release:

The only bottle in the second round is a Kentucky Whisky (not a bourbon... corn doesn't play first chair in this orchestra!).  This isn't just any whisky though, this is Bernheim small batch straight wheat whisky.  Made from 51% soft winter wheat, with the remainder being mostly corn, and aged about 5 years (that's what my sources tell me). Incredible mouth-feel dominates this treasure, and backs up an excellent flavour profile.  Initial nose shows floral notes backed up with toffee, pepper and hints of vanilla and cloves.  There is a lot going on in this glass (a lot of it being subtle and muted), further swirls give off notes of more vanilla (extract this time), hints of floral wildflower honey, wheat crackers, and white pepper.  In the mouth incredible balance of wood, wood smoke, sweet grain wheaty-ness, spice blends (like for spice cake),  and more wildflowers in the background.  With water it almost becomes creamy and smooth, losing the spicy notes and hot pepper tartness and gaining a rounded more floral and sweet palate.  The finish is long, warming and very satisfying.  Subtle hints of wood smoke intersperse with the honey, spice and oak notes.  This is a fantastic bottle, and the LCBO seems to think that you should pay heavily for its delicious contents. At $75/bottle and 45% ABV, I think it's still a great choice for a premium American whisky. Get your bottle at your local LCBO for $75/bottle [Sku #278077].  Served at 45% ABV, this is a hell of a whisky to add to your collection!  This is a very light whisky, and would be excellent on those hot summer days coming to your neighborhood soon.

Well that sums up the Vintages releases, but there are a few others to report on.  The first coming to us, announced in shining letters via eMail from the LCBO.  This came via pre-order only.  Kavalan Soloist Sherry cask.  This interesting dram hails from Taiwan from the King Car distillery.  It deserves commendation as they proudly display the unchillfiltered and no colour added banners on  ALL of their whiskies from the Kavalan range.  But the thing that held me back was the price!  The LCBO wants you to chance your hard earned cash (actually $214/bottle), on an untested and UN-tasteable Taiwanese whisky.  Now that aside, this is a multiple award-winning, Whisky Bible commended, and much heralded Taiwanese whisky.  I'll be the first to say, that I don't do what the books tell me and neither should you.  I gladly tried the Kavalan 'Concertmaster' Single Malt whisky at the Spirit of Toronto show, in hopes that the main attraction coming would blow me over.  Instead what I got really rubbed me the wrong way.  The way the LCBO employees were pimping out this spirit; like it was a Macallan 1955 single cask, made me frustrated.  "Oh sir you would love this, it's a limited production... blah blah blah... (he now proceeds to pour slightly less that than 1/8 of an ounce into my Glencairn) ..... blah blah, made from the tears of orphans struck down by Chuck Norris himself (continues rambling on).... and finished in only the best port pipes from the 14th century hand sealed by King Louis the 573rd himself that money can buy.  Seriously.  This is good whisky at best, but if your trying to use this to sell me a $215 of single cask CS Taiwanese whisky, boy have you got another life lesson coming.  The concertmaster was alright whisky, simple, well balanced, good nose and generally a good International bottling.  But if you're trying to sell me a Maybach by showing me your mom's 1995 Chevy Cavalier with a fresh coat of paint on it, yeah I'm gonna be a little ticked off.  I did enjoy it and found myself asking for a triple pour so I could actually taste something (which after some judging looks and sour faces, I finally got).  I'll level with you though, I found this no more appealing than say a Glenfiddich 15 Solera (if it were at Cask Strength).  It's a great whisky, but  it shouldn't come with strings attached.  That aside, $214 for a Cask Strength single malt is a bit out of reach even for the most eager whisky drinker.  There are many better offerings from better known distilleries that I adore (eg: Isle of Arran Single Cask, Springbank 12 CS to name a couple).  All my petty bitching aside, I am informed that the standard bottling (I think it's the Concertmaster one), will arrive sometime this fall. We'll keep an eye out and review it as it comes up.

Second up is a craft distillation from Rogue brewery.  The Rogue Oregon Single Malt 'whiskey' (not sure why the 'E' in whisky, that is a debate for another day), comes from the illustrious Rogue brewery.  Makers of such odd named brews as Brutal IPA, Dead Guy Ale, Mogul Madness ale and few other comical names, I can assure you these are all serious beers.  This spirit is built from 100% first growth Oregon Malt on their own 257 acre farm.  12% of the final product is hand-smoked, by a 40 year veteran of Rogue Brewery, with local Maple and Alder chips to give it a hint of wood smoke.  40% ABV, no mention of filtration or colour added, the clear bottle reveals rich copper highlights and an interesting haze when cooled.  I'd like to think there's nothing added or removed, but I'm honestly not sure.  The nose on this was fantastic, rich and fruity with notes of wood smoke, caramel, ripe apricots, hints of peaches, and coffee.  In the mouth the fruity notes continue and bring caramel overtones, with notes of toasted oak, roasted grains, malt syrup and hints of red fruits.  The finish is fairly short, but rewards the tongue.  Notes of oak and caramel are peppered with hints of fruit, hot pepper and vanilla mixed throughout.  It's on the expensive side at $89/bottle and a bit thin, being on the low end of the proof scale, but I think this is a very good single malt from the US with great potential.  I also don't believe that this is whiskey either... you do actually have to age it slightly longer than a couple of months (again another debate for another day).  Check your local LBCO for Sku #272302, and grab yourself one before they're gone, and while you're there you might want to grab yourself an Orange Honey Ale or Brutal IPA to go along with it.

Well that's about it for this update.  I've got the working proofs of June's listings too and some more information from the Spirit of Toronto to write up.  Also a couple more tasting note reviews are coming down the pipe and hopefully a special event coming up will net some nice notes.  So for the time being, keep your stick on the ice and the ice out of your glass.

LCBO Vintages Release for February 2012

Well, that month seemed to blow by quickly!  Then again at only 28 days + 1 for a leap year, is a quick month.  That being said, the releases are short on numbers, but big on flavor!

February 04/2012 Release:

First up is a Kentucky bourbon! 1792 Ridgemont Reserve is a barrel select Kentucky straight bourbon.  Straight bourbon is legally defined as being over 2 years old, this one hits 8 years before it's released to the masses.  With a high rye content in the mashbill, it brings up the spice notes in the nose.  Very spicy up front (causes salivation.... even while I'm writing this now thinking about it).  Nose features spice cake, sharp rye, cracked pepper and loads of fruits and pickles (that's the rye again).  Mouth feel is very different, rich and creamy, with hints of apples and licorice in the background.  I think it's a pretty good buy, and for only $50/bottle,  it's really hard to go wrong.  Check your local LCBO [Sku#208918], for a location near you.

Second is another bottling from Welsh distillery Penderyn.  Wales is a small country located between the Irish sea and England, also holds the records for the wettest place in Europe.  That being said, there is a golden ray of light under the gray skies: Penderyn distillery.  Penderyn Sherrywood  is an excellent representation of a cask finish gone according to plan.  Buffalo Trace bourbon casks are used in conjunction with an Oloroso Sherry wood cask to create a sum greater than both parts.  Penderyn tends to be a light and floral sort of wysgi (Welsh for whisky), and marrying it with rich sherry casks brings out rich fruity notes with a wonderful smooth finish.  The combination of casks give wonderful sweet raisins, dates, caramel and custard notes on the nose.  This develops well in the glass, but the palate speaks for itself.  Creme caramel and almonds dominate, raisins and sherry soaked red fruits with a hint of bitter ginger at the end to balance it all out.  The finish is mid-length and very smooth (hence it is a favorite of mine).  Check your local LCBO [Sku #270611] for a bottle, priced at $85 and served at 46% ABV I think it's an excellent treat.

Next up is a island monster! Isle of Jura 200th Anniversary (21 Years old).  This monster comes to us courtesy of the 1963 Gonzalez Byass sherry casks that were specially selected to represent the year that Jura was reborn.  In '63, the distillery was rebuilt, and new life was breathed into both the island and the spirit.  The 21 year old spirit holds its own as an excellent example of Island whisky at it's best.  It's got a rich (assisted), golden colour that already gives me that warm fuzzy feeling inside.  The nose reveals macerated orange peel, slight hints of peat, and buried depths of dark chocolate mixed into a briny ocean spray (characteristic Isle of Jura).  The sherry influence comes in with notes of marzipan and golden raisins, rich worked leather notes.  It coats the mouth like velvet but remains dry.  The palate fills out with walnuts, dark chocolate covered almonds, roasted seaweed (think of the nori that covers your sushi), and cracked black pepper on the finish.  Excellent stuff, and served at the Jura's usual 43% ABV makes this an excellent bottle to grab and stash away for that special date.  Check you local LCBO [Sku #266700] for a bottle, priced a bit on the high side at $147, but as it's a rarity, well worth the price.

February 18/2012 release:

Only a single bottle in this round!  Many of my friends know that I'm not a big fan of The Balvenie; only going for the 21 Port wood cask (LCBO seriously over priced at $216), and the 14 Caribbean cask (much better choice at only $99).  Making a reappearance at the LCBO is the 15 year old Single Cask.  This is an excellent representation of the Balvenie signature spirit.  Offered at 50.5% ABV, this is an excellent cost/value ratio ($135/bottle).  Honey and floral notes gently waft through the nose, vanilla and gentle polished oak weave a fantastic nose that melds into the palate.  Rich honeycomb and gentle wildflowers mingle with the dry worked oak notes and toasted malt on the palate.  The finish is subtle and complex with notes of heather and more worked oak with a subtle hint of anise/licorice.  Normally I'm not a Balvenie fan, but at the price/value you'll get from this bottle at only $135, you're not going to find a better chance to get into a Bavlenie with such an excellent palate.  Check your local LCBO [Sku #366963], for your bottle.

Well that sums up the February releases.  Seems like we got spoiled this round, which leaves me wondering why? (naturally pessimistic I guess).  I have a feeling that March will be showing us the usual Irish malts in a toss out to St. Patrick's day (some of which I am a big fan).  Until next time, keep your stick on the ice and the ice out of your glass.  I'll be posting some tasting notes from my tasting experience with the guys from Scotchblog.ca, take a trip by and check out what they have to offer.

LCBO Vintages Release for December 2011

Well 'tis that time of year, and the Vintages releases are short (just like the days).  The last release for this year was done on December 10th, and the rest of this year is dedicated to their Christmas cheer book and sparkling wines for New Years.  What came out during this release?

Blanton's Single Barrel Special Reserve Bourbon:   This is a fantastic single barrel bourbon from the deep south!  Blanton's specializes in single barrel bourbon production.  This is a premium bourbon that comes from only a single warehouse in the Buffalo Trace distillery.  In fact they only come from the 'centre cut' of Warehouse H (very centre), when the aging seems to take place perfectly for the spirit.  Since 1984 Blanton's has been producing single barrel bourbon and was one of the first to offer such a product.  Their website has some of the best laid out information I've ever seen and can be found by clicking the distillery name at the start of the article of HERE for the Special Reserve.  I'm not crazy over the chill filtration in Scotch (but I've never seen a non-chillfiltered bourbon), but I really appreciate the forward information.  If I get my hands on any samples I'll be more than happy to provide the review.  Check your local LCBO for Sku #558320, bottles are $76 each.  There is also a Blanton's single barrel standard available for $65 under LCBO Sku #255349 (it's also 45% ABV).

Second in this short release is Glenfarclas 12.  Glenfarclas is one of my absolute favorite distilleries as they provide an appealing spirit geared towards Whisky lovers.  All malts are presented without colour added and served at 43%! Though special bottlings like the 15 & 40 are 46%, and the 105 is a whopping 60%.  Sadly though they still chill filter the whisky (confirmed via Ralfy), but that can easily be changed to create a full craft presentation.  Run by an independent distiller (J & G Grant), they produce some of the best sherry casked Scotches available in my personal opinion.  The 12 year old is no exception to this rule! Fresh and light, the sherry influence is still young but I found lots of oak notes (worked, toasted, and some fresh or green wood), cereals, a twist of a sour note, an interesting brine/salty note, heather and almond.  A little hot on the palette, this will benefit from an addition touch of water to open the nose.  I'd call this a good deal at $64, so check out your local LCBO for Sku #142182.

Sadly, this is actually the last post of the year, and I will resume sometime after the Holidays.  I'm off to the Dominican for a much needed vacation, but I promise to come back and work up some more spirits for review.  Most importantly, I do want to thank you (on the other side of the screen), for reading my blog as this actually means quite a lot to me!  Enjoy your holidays, and your whisky responsibly.

Keep your stick on the ice, and the ice out of your glass!

Long Overdue Return

My apologies to all my readers (what's left of the lot of you).  I have been neglecting the blog and am slowly getting back into the swing of things.  I have acquired many moire bottles, many more stories and a few more items of interest.
So a quick recap of  what you missed in the LCBO vintages catalogue..... nothing really!  Summer is not the time for Whisky (or so the LCBO thinks), so they don't seem to be displaying their wares.  They are importing a ton for release over the fall/winter months when people can use a 'warm-up'.  The only thing that did catch my eye are listed below:


Rittenhouse Straight Rye :  That is American straight rye (Over 6 Years in oak and 51% Rye in the mashbill).  Well let's delve into this, super rich on the nose with loads of vanilla, peppery fruits and rich punchy rye.  There is also an earthy note that might be a little off-putting.  In the mouth; it's hot and sharp to start but fades into rich vanilla covered fudge and more fruit covered with pepper.  Then it's back!  That earthy note actually becomes dirty in the mouth, like eating a handful of dirt.  You know thouhg, it really grows on you (at least for me), and then it becomes a foundation to the finish.  That earthiness drops into the peppered fruit and melted vanilla ice ream come out of the finish.  If this is RYE; SIGN ME UP!!  It's also a hell of a lot better than the paint stripper they call Crown Royal nowadays.  LCBO SKU #230813.  The guys at Heaven Hill distillers really have a winner on their hands., this is a heck of a buy for $35.

   Ledaig 10 Year old (Isle of Mull) - This is the only distiller on the isle of Mull.  Tobermory (formerly Ledaig), is an island scotch, and a rarity to see in our market.  Tobermory is a standard single malt with some characteristic isle flair, Ledaig (pronounced Luh-chaig), is the slightly grumpier peated sister.  With a full peaty punch and a brisk stride (seems a bit sharp and youthful), there is a wonderful earthy nose featuring vanilla and bourbon florals with barley grains, and a soft, subtle, sweetness.  At $67, the LCBO is asking a bit much, but for the a bottle, but it's a chance for you to seek out a dram somewhere and try something different. LCBO SKU#315721.
Check your local LCBO stock, as I don't expect to see this one around long.  Toronto seems to be a peat-head's playground.  There are a lot of peat-smoke lovers in Ontario, and the LCBO preys upon that for the imports.

The Highland Park St. Magnus Edition (That's him on the right of the Ttrio), was released to celebrate the six canonized Norsemen born in the 11th & 12th century on Orkney Island.  Bottled at 55% ABV (natural cask strength), it has an intensity that can't be beat.  I found a rich and sour nose with notes of toasted oats, spice, moss and damp wood.  Incredible depth with a hot finish giving heat, toasted walnuts and ripe green fruits.  With only 11,994 bottles for the world to share, it's a sort of rare breed.; but at $180 it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Also tasted was the Adelphi Fascadale Batch number 2.  Adeplhi (another excellent indie bottler), tends to pander to the Whisky lover with cask strength bottling, no colour added and non-chillfiltration.  The Fascadale  is an unknown distillery(as in we're not telling no matter how many emails you send them), from the isles.  Limited to 3746 bottles world-wide, this is a definite collector's item, but a fantastic dram.  I found rich and vibrant peat heavy hitting, with a fascinating olive note on the nose (Seems very Talisker-ish).  The bite was definitely not what I had bargained for!  All that peat upfront the nose gives way to gentle smoke woven through the whisky.  Wildflowers and cracked pepper with a lime/chili note in the finish (Also very Talisker-y... hmmm).  Excellent dram!  At $120/bottle it might not be up everyone's creek but I can assure you that you won't be disappointed should you crack this bottle.  LCBO SKU #238154.

 There were a few other.  If you follow my twitter feed @ScotchCuyTO, then you'll surely have read some rare vintages that were sampled recently.

That being said; I guess that should be enough to fill you baskets with good tidings and golden whisky.  I will update again soon with the missed Sept 3/2011 Vintages release, and the coming Sept 17/2011 releases.

Until Then,

Happy Dramming!

Mr. Allen